The ex-Presidents' club (and their wives): Extraordinary gathering of First Families past and present at opening of George W. Bush library

(From L - R) U.S. President Barack Obama stands alongside former presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter as they attend the dedication ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center

In a rare and emotional reunion, the five living American presidents and their wives gathered in Dallas Thursday to honor the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

The presidents — Bush, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter — were cheered by a crowd of former White House officials and world leaders as they took the stage together to open the dedication. They were joined on stage by their wives — the nation's current and former first ladies — for the outdoor ceremony on a sun-splashed Texas morning.

'To know the man is to like the man,' President Obama said of his predecessor. 'He is a good man.'

The last time all five living presidents were together was shortly before Obama's inauguration in 2009, when Obama said he needed their advice before taking office.

'We've been called the world's most exclusive club - and we do have a pretty nice club house - but the truth is, its more like a support group,' Obama said.

As president, there are times when you make mistakes and when you wish you could turn back the clock, he said.

'It's impossible to truly understand the nature of the job until it's yours.'

    All in one place: From left, First Lady Michelle Obama and former first ladies Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush and Rosalynn Carter